“We need someone who can hit the ground running and start working on some issues we have in our county,” commissioner Jason Falls said.

Commissioners will be in charge of the hiring process, with Commissioner Susan Allen, board clerk Kerri Melton and former county manager David Dear helping review resumes. All commissioners will have access to the applications for the manager position.

“Everyone just has to keep in mind the kind of person they want to see as our county manager,” said commissioners chairman Ronnie Hawkins.

Dear will serve as interim county manager until a permanent successor to Bailes is hired.

“We are very fortunate that one of our own still lives here and is willing to step up and help us,” Hawkins said.

By the board’s next meeting, commissioners will discuss how Dear will operate as interim.

Reach Jessica Pickens at 704-669-3332 or jpickens@shelbystar.com. Follow on Twitter at StarJPickens.

What are commissioners saying?

The Star asked Cleveland County commissioners Tuesday what qualities they want in a new county manager to succeed Eddie Bailes, who resigned last week.

“The county commissioners want someone that’s willing to be part of Cleveland County and participate in all activities. We want a person who would be active in the county and who would work with our citizens. We want the candidate to have experience but also not be a few years away from retirement.”

Ronnie Hawkins, commissioners chairman

“I would want someone who would be part of our community and leaves politics out of his office. We would want someone who works well with our staff and commissioners and is fiscally conservative.”

Jason Falls, commissioners vice chairman

“I would like to see someone with quite a bit of experience if we can afford it. It’s always a plus if you have a qualified person from the area.”

Johnny Hutchins, commissioner

“I assume the policy that I will follow the lead of the chairman of the board. I think he should be the spokesperson on our behalf.”

Eddie Holbrook, commissioner

“I think we need someone with the same common goals to help us grow as a county. The new county manager should be creative and resourceful.”